Injuries Will Be Felt

Over the last two seasons, the 49ers have been relatively fortunate when it comes to impact injuries.

Nicks and bruises are expected during a grueling NFL season, however the 49ers can count themselves lucky that all of their impact players have been upright during these last two campaigns.

However, with Michael Crabtree's injury, the 49ers will have to make some adjustments on offense. Lets not forget that Mario Manningham and Kyle Williams will be returning from major injures suffered last season.

Both guys will be brought along slowly in the early parts of the season.

Now, this is still a team with a run first mentality, but what made this offense so dangerous last season was the combination of Crabtree and emerging young quarterback, Colin Kaepernick.

The 49ers could always run the ball, but the addition of a consistent passing game is what truly stood out last season.

I still expect the 49ers to have major success next season, especially considering they boast a top shelf defense and running attack, but don't be surprised if Jim Harbaugh limits this passing attack a bit.

In general, the 49ers schedule is pretty brutal. However, the first five games are particularly brutal, especially considering the 49ers will be fighting tooth and nail with the Seahawks for the NFC West division crown.

Now, the 49ers schedule does lighten up in the weeks 6-10, which should give them some confidence entering a tough second half schedule.

Patience may be needed during these tough times. Remember, if any team can recover from a slow start, its this Jim Harbaugh led 49ers team.

Impact of Rookie Class

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Rookies have been a hot topic of conversation among 49ers fans. Not because of their production, though Aldon Smith and Kendall Hunter would say otherwise, but more so for their visibility, or lack thereof.

Simply put, the 49ers rookies don't find playing time. Just last season, the only impactful rookie was LaMichael James, and he really didn't see the field until playoff time.

Will the same trend continue this season? Yes and no.

I believe there will be three impact rookies. For one, I strongly believe Vance McDonald will make huge contributions as a receiver in this multiple 49ers offense.

This won't be a surprise, but I also think Eric Reid will make an impact in 2013. Though I don't expect much early on.

Additionally, watch out for Corey Lemonier. The 49ers will find a way to get this guy on the field. He isn't a great run stopper, but his speed off the edge will cause havoc in situational and third downs.

Don't expect this year's rookie class to be sitting on the bench all season.

Colin Kaepernick Is All in

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Now, there seems to have been some uproar over the instagram pic Kaepernick displayed this week. If you missed it, don't worry. Your life will probably remain the same if you didn't witness this controversy.

The pic showed Kaepernick donning a Miami Dolphins hat. Of course, some 49ers made a big deal out of it.

While I would agree the pic was somewhat in bad taste, I think its safe to say that Kaepernick wore the hat for stylistic purposes rather than to attract unnecessary media attention.

Also, I think it was Kaepernick's reaction to the pic that made fans go bonkers. Niners fans are a proud bunch, as we all know.

Again, this news was probably paid more attention due to the timing of the NFL offseason, but Kaepernick still had the time to address the situation by posting a much more comfortable pic.